Fed on Fennel » Black Swallowtail Fourth and Final Form

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Black Swallowtail Fourth and Final Form

The fourth and final form taken by the caterpillar of Papilio polyxenes before pupating and metamorphosizing into a butterfly. The distinctive markings make this large caterpillar very easy to identify, especially since it is likely to be found on members of the botanical family Apiaceae, its preferred host plants. These include fennel, parsley, and Queen Anne’s lace.

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